Marinette schools release statement

MARINETTE - The Marinette School District released the following statement to the media Friday:

Marinette High School classes reconvened on Wednesday, December 1st after Monday’s tragedy.  Student attendance has been close to average.

The healing process has begun as dozens of students, family members, and staff have taken advantage of counseling and other services provided by District and community agency’s staff. Classes and activities have resumed at the high school. Teachers and staff have exhibited extraordinary vigilance, care, and compassion as everyone pulls together to heal. Support services will continue to be available based on needs of the school and community. Teacher Valerie Burd is planning her return to class in the near future.

District staff continues to cooperate with law enforcement in its remaining investigation. Ongoing review of policies and procedures is taking place with the help of law enforcement and community agencies. The primary goal of this process is the immediate and long-term safety of students and staff.

Hundreds, if not thousands, of well wishes and offers of services have been received across the District, mostly from the local community, but also from across the state and country. The District especially appreciates the loving support shown by the Greater Marinette Community.  It has certainly enhanced our ability to begin the healing process. This positive support reinforces our belief that Marinette is a great place to live, work, and receive an education.

Mark Desotell, Director of Marinette Public Works Department, was involved in coordinating relief for the families Monday night by calling on numerous local businesses, all who responded immediately and without hesitation. Desotell stated that “any business in our surrounding community would have contributed supplies and other items if requested”. The local press is also to be acknowledged for treating parents, staff, and students with great respect during this emotional incident and with what we anticipate during the subsequent journey of healing over the next weeks.

The District wishes to extend its sincere condolences to the Hengel family.

The School District of Marinette wants to express its appreciation to the many individuals and agencies who responded this week:

The Greater Community of Marinette, Marinette High School and District Staff, Marinette Police Department, Marinette County Sheriffs Department, Menominee (MI) Police Department, Menominee County (MI) Sheriffs Department, CESA 8, Coleman School District, Denmark School District, DePere School District, Green Bay School District, Howard-Suamico School District, Menominee School District, Oconto School District, Oconto Falls School District, Pulaski School District, Seymour School District, Shawano School District, West DePere School District, Wrightstown School District, WI Department of Natural Resources, WI State Patrol, Brown County Sheriffs Department, Green Bay Police Department, Peshtigo Police Department, Crivitz Police Department, Forest County Sheriffs Department, Laona Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, WI Department of Criminal Investigation, Marinette Fire Department, Emergency Rescue Squad, Bay Area Medical Center/Paramedics, Marinette County District Attorney, Marinette County Emergency Management, Marinette County UW Extension Director, Marinette County Public Works Director, Marinette County Buildings and Properties Division, WI Emergency Management NE Region, Marinette County Health & Human Services Department, ADAPT, UW-Marinette, American Red Cross, WEA Trust through Bellin Behavioral Health, Marinette County Jail Pastoral Service, Marinette County Sheriff’s Auxilliary, Westlund Bus Lines, Catholic Services, Oconto Professional Family Resources, Brothers Three, McDonald’s, Angeli’s, Wal-Mart, Cousins Subs, Quizno’s, Little Ceasars and individuals too numerous to mention. We certainly apologize if we inadvertently omitted anyone from this list.